The Great Gatsby Journal

In The Great Gatsby, many elements of postmodernism are shown. Among these,
some specific examples include appropriation, Magic Realism, and Catharsis. All of
these specifically, are shown in the movie directed by Baz Luhrmann. The use of film
helped expose examples of postmodernism in The Great Gatsby. Specifically,
appropriation was highlighted in many instances in this film. For example, when Nick
Carraway tells the reader about the past of Jay Gatsby, appropriation is brought out.
His name used to be James Gatz, and he was very poor until he saw an opportunity to
enhance his life. He saw a sailboat that was in distress, so Gatz went to go help the
millionaire in trouble, Dan Cody. This was stated in the book, but was this scene was
immensely played up in the movie. Gatz saw this as an opportunity to be rich and
have the lifestyle that he wanted. Gats swam out to save the man Dan Cody and
began to travel and live with him. This would be an example of appropriation because
Gatsby took advantage of this situation and of Dan Cody to live the wealthy lifestyle
that he wanted. In the movie, this scene was more exaggerated than the book. He
sailed the yacht out of danger - and into his future...(Luhrmann 2013, p. 75)
Magic realism is shown in the way that Myrtles body flew very far after she
was hit by Jay Gatsbys car. To be realistic, her body would not have flown all the way
in front of the billboard of they eyes of T.J. Eckleberg. This was intended to be
symbolic, but this is still magic realism because this is something that wouldnt
usually happen. The use of her body to fly in front of the billboard was to show that
God is always watching, but the flight of her body was not very realistic. This is
shown in BUT the car STRIKES Myrtle!... Her torn open body hits the ground. CLOSE
ON: The giant billboard, the towering eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleberg, watching
everything... (Luhrmann 2013, p. 111)
Catharsis is shown in The Great Gatsby movie when Myrtle dies. Her husband,
Wilson showed this form of emotional cleansing because of viewing a tragedy. This
tragedy was seeing his wife killed by Gatsbys car. Wilson was very emotional after
her death and he was grieving and very emotional. This is shown in, Wilson stands
on the raised threshold of his office, swaying and wailing a high, horrible call. WILSON
O, my Ga-od! O, my Ga-od! (Luhrmann 2013, p. 112) The agonizing despair that
Wilson is in is immensely played up in the movie in comparison to the book. This is a
prime example of postmodernism in The Great Gatsby. Catharsis, Magical Realism,
and appropriation are all elements of postmodernism that are shown in The Great
Gatsby.